tuesdays with morrie.

During my time off school I have had a chance to become acquainted with others in the blog world. I have found nothing but amazing stories, none more inspirational than the story of this family: http://half12.blogspot.com/

A few months ago a little girl named Tuesday was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a particularly rampant form of cancer. As it turns out Tuesday is a fighter, despite the fact that she and her twin sister are only two years old. Tuesday has undergone 6 rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and dozens of procedures over the last few months and has been handling all obstacles thrown at her. She seemed to be recovering well until her latest scan revealed another tumor. Her family are coping with this tragedy with the utmost positivity and grace and they deserve some love. So, go on over to their page (linked above) and show them some love. This family is in need of good thoughts, positive energy, prayers, luck, ancient indian dancing....whatever you believe in!

To the Next Step wishes Tuesday [and her family] a speedy recovery.

mallrats.

Today has been an absolute whirlwind of last minute christmas shopping!  The malls were absolutely insane and I am vowing to stay away from all shopping centers until 2009.  Christmas is obviously a time when people become stressed and on-edge which makes for great entertainment for those of us who were just at the mall for last minute bits and pieces (my real motivation for going shopping today, if we're being brutally honest).  

Here are some examples of christmas craziness observed today: 

I. Crazy Christmas Scenario in Hot Topic

Obnoxious Teenager - ::holds up shirt::  Which Slayer shirt do you think I should get Mom?

II. Crazy Christmas Text [apparently the madness rubbed off on me]

Jill via Text: Do you have Tremors? (the movie, not the neurological symptom)

Matt: Yes, thanks. 

Apparently Matt is no longer weirded out by me.  sad. 

III. Crazy Christmas Scenario in Barnes and Noble.

Barnes and Noble Employee: Can I help you with something, sir?

Middle Aged Guy: Um...I'm just trying to get something that my sister will like.

B&N Employee: Well, if you tell me about her I bet I could help you find something.

Guy: Oh, that's ok.  She's like Sarah Palin with an attitude.

B&N Employee: [doesn't skip a beat] We have some great books on weaponry and hunting downstairs....

**Jill is laughing her ass off at this point** 

So many things I would say if it were socially acceptable to do so.....

1. Sarah Palin with an attitude? That must have been pleasant to grow up with.

2. Sarah Palin with an attitude?  Here's some arsenic and we can solve this problem right now.

3. Sarah Palin with an attitude?  Isn't there a more concise way to say that, like the antichrist. 

You better believe I'll be back at the mall this time next year.  You can't make this stuff up. 

Merry Christmas, everyone! 

a christmas carol.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!  As mentioned in previous posts, I become crazy this time of year!  I am SO that annoying Christmas girl, which is out of sync with the rest of my personality.    

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Auntie Trudy and the rest of the Guillermo Family were kind enough to invite us over for the big day.  There were lots of people and even more food (including a turkey the size of a dog)!  It was nice to spend time with some family since the rest live to far away (England, NC, etc.).

Sunday we put up our Christmas tree and other decorations; it certainly looks festive in the Whisnant household.  I think Saint Nick might make an early stop out of confusion!

I actually had a day off of work today.  I think this is the first time I have spent an entire day alone in this apartment since we moved in 5 months ago.  I slept late, cleaned up, wrapped some presents, did some Christmas shopping (I heart amazon.com), got groceries, and cooked dinner (I'm sure Matt will pass out from amazement).  I am pleased to say that I am almost finished with Christmas shopping (again, I heart Amazon **shameless plug**) in record time, might I add.  

Merry Christmas, Everyone.....

mission impossible.

*Cue the Trumpets*

I AM FINISHED!

4 papers and 3 exams later....finals week was absolute hell. Regardless, I have survived the first quarter of my doctorate unscathed and couldn't be more proud of myself. One down 8 to go! I will post more this weekend since I haven't done a real post in a while, but I wanted to let everyone know!

Goodnight :)

the mist.

Well, the vote was BARACKed and I am so happy! I absolutely love listening to him talk; I have faith that he can take this country in a new direction. If all else fails, at least we have a president who can speak in completed sentences and doesn't use words like "strategery" and "misunderestimated".

Anyway... this is the last week of classes and I couldn't be more thrilled. I am exhausted and ready for some time off. The weather is changing - it has a rained a few days and we've definitely seen some of that infamous San Francisco fog. Have I mentioned that I am so ready for christmas?

BARACK THE VOTE

Seriously. Get out and vote......NOW!!!

OBAMA - BIDEN 2008

Dare to believe in change?

final destination.

It's been a while since my last post...of course, I've been super busy with school! Only two more weeks until finals and then 6 weeks off!! I am so excited. I can't believe that I am almost finished with the fall quarter. I know this whole experience is going to be over before I know it. Anyway, school is going much better - there is always so much to do: reading, papers, exams, blogging, roleplays, therapy, presentations...sometimes I think I'm losing my mind!

I'm starting to get really excited for winter. For those of you that know me, you know that winter if my absolute favorite time of year. I love it when the weather gets chilly (winter clothes are awesome: sweaters, comfy hoodies, scarfs, hats, and gloves...love 'em!), the leaves fall of the trees, and everyone is happy. I love being in the Christmas spirt, shopping for presents, holiday music, SALES, snow (not likely here), and being amongst tinsel, pine trees, and twinkly lights! I watch Christmas movies for months - Muppet Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, The Family Man, Father of the Bride (I watched this no less than 100 times last year), Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, The Grinch, Reindeer Games, and Frosty. This year is going to be particularly special since it is our first wedding anniversary :) On December 28th, it will be one year since I became Jill Whisnant! Times goes so fast.

Happy Holiday Season Everyone (I know, I'm insane...)